With over 22 years of experience in ministry and pastoral care, Rev. Michael Wright serves as Senior Pastor of True Freedom Ministries, a creative, Bible-based, community church that gives good food for the soul, with emphasis on freedom in Christ.
Rev. Wright’s hands-on ministry and evangelism span two decades and four continents. Affectionately known as Pastor Mike, he has been a faithful member of church communities across the city and surrounding areas of Chicago, IL. He has served as Keynote Speaker and delegate of the Greenhouse Movement, a non-profit organization dedicated to unifying churches, cultures, and other ethnic expressions under the banner of Christ. He has assisted with the spreading of the gospel to congregations in Nairobi, Kenya, Chile, Jerusalem, and throughout the United States.
Rev. Wright also led a Morning Radio Ministry based in Dayton, OH. on WROU/WING AM1410 radio. Pastor Mike also aired a noon broadcast for two years on Chicago’s own Inspiration station AM1390 where thousands tuned in daily to hear the word of God preached.
Rev. Wright began his theological journey at the Progressive School of Ministry originally in Maywood Il and then went on to do theological studies at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. In addition to master-level Religious Studies coursework and research at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA., He acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. Pastor Mike is also a fighting Panther and a proud graduate of Proviso West High School in Hillside, IL.
A well-renowned “church-planter”, Rev. Wright’s call to ministry began on Southern University’s campus; leading youth-oriented weekly Bible studies, prayer groups, and serving as Chaplain of the seventy-five voice Southern University Interdenominational Choir. Fulfilling his later apprenticeship under the leadership of Pastor Donald Alford at Progressive Life-Giving Word Cathedral in Hillside, IL, Rev. Wright has continued to embody a model of Christ-centeredness and servant leadership as shown in the following roles:
- Youth Pastor, Neighborhood United Methodist Church – Maywood Il.
- Chairman of Caring Network Austin—A Women’s Crisis Center
- Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated
- Assistant Pastor, Light of Liberty Church – Oak Park Il.
- Interim Pastor, Sanctuary of Faith Church of God in Christ – Chicago Il.
- Mission Pastor, Liberty Worship Church—Oak Park, Il.
- Baby Bank Director of Christ Tabernacle—serviced over one thousand women in 555 days
- Senior Pastor, Reunited Missionary Baptist Church – Chicago, Il.
- Superintendent of Christ Tabernacle Academy—Chicago, Il.
- Senior Pastor, True Freedom Cornerstone (oversaw merger between Reunited MBC and Liberty Worship Church) – Oak Park Il.Greenhouse Movement/Walk Across the Street and Jubilee Initiative Director
- Malawi Homes Project Overseer—21 homes built in 1 year
The main character factor that Rev. Michael Wright loves to share is his appreciation and love for family. It’s not just his immediate family, (that obviously goes without saying). It’s not just his extended family like cousins or aunts and uncles. But Rev. Wright’s love for those who love his Savior is amazing. Jesus said in Matthew 12:48-50,
Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?… Here are My mother and My brothers. For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.
Matthew 12:48-50
Pastor Mike loves the body of Christ. It does not matter if they are Black, White, Latino, Asian, or whatever mix in between. He recognizes that when we arrive in Heaven, it won’t matter the color or nationality. Jesus prayed fervently in the Garden of Gethsemane in John 17:21,
…that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You.
John 17:21
Rev. Wright believes that we should be the answer to Christ’s prayer.